Archaeological Objects Research Articles

Evaluation of color degradation on unearthed silks: A data analytical strategy based on microfading spectrometry

Silk relics, as the typical representative of organic artifacts, are important historical materials for the study of Chinese and world culture. However, these relics are extremely vulnerable to burial or conservation environments which play a crucial role in its acceleration of deterioration. Light-induced color degradation is one of the most serious threats to textiles, resulting in regional fading of these objects. This special threat severely affected their artistic and historical values and produced irrevocable alteration. The evaluation of discoloration of dyed silk relics has been the hot spot of conservation science. Therefore, the regional lightfastness assessment of textile artifacts has been of significance for their color preservation. Recently, microfading spectrometry has been broadly applied for simulating accelerated photofading process and evaluating if the pigment or dye was susceptible to discoloration. With the goal of finely demonstrating color changes in multiple dimensions, the integrated data analytical method is of great necessity. In this work, a data analytical strategy has been developed for elaborately evaluating the fading behavior of dyestuff from the spectral, kinetic, and chromatic aspects with their color change trajectory also provided. Based on the strategy, 10 representative vegetable dyes have been studied. Furthermore, the potential fading behaviors of 3 groups of dyed silks unearthed from different places of Keyakekuduke beacon tower site, Xinjiang were evaluated, compared and predicted. From the results, it was demonstrated that archaeological silk objects unearthed from different places of one site may potentially fade to light in a different manner. Hence, precisely and in-depth monitoring the potential color degradation to light was of great necessity. Therefore, the developed strategy in this work represents a constructive tool and provides the methods for relevant research on other color artifacts.

Towards better differentiation of archaeological objects based on geomorphometric features of a digital elevation model, the case of the Old Oder Canal

AbstractLimited visibility in the underwater environment often restricts opportunities for archaeological prospection. Especially in reservoirs with a high content of suspended solids, methods based on acoustics prove to be extremely useful. This study represents the first high‐resolution acoustic mapping and archaeological prospections of the Old Oder Canal, which has extremely poor visibility. The study site is located near the town of Krosno Odrzańskie in Poland. The town is one of the country's most significant river crossings and settlements of mediaeval origin (including its wooden bridges). The following research objectives were identified: (1) exploration of the Old Oder Canal, including underwater acoustics and archaeological prospections; (2) analysis and interpretation of the study area based on acquired datasets; and (3) evaluation of secondary features of the river bathymetry for identification of archaeological objects. Possible locations of archaeological objects were determined based on analysis and interpretation of multibeam echosounder measurements of the riverbed. Fieldwork allowed structural elements of mediaeval bridges to be found and dendrochronological sampling performed. Feature selection analyses allowed the determination and evaluation of geomorphometric attributes, combining the characteristics of the discovered objects and diagnostics in order better to differentiate archaeological remains. Proposed secondary features may facilitate archaeological explorations in difficult environments.

Mapping of bioavailable <sup>87</sup>Sr/<sup>86</sup>Sr in the Southern Trans-Urals

Research subject. Spatial distribution of bioavailable strontium in the South Trans-Urals. Aim. Development and test of a methodology for obtaining a bioavailable strontium map suitable for studying migrations and mobility in the Bronze Age in the Southern Trans-Urals. Methods. Sampling was conducted in 73 loci located in a uniform network in a 25 ± 5 km grid and in 22 additional loci (transects along the intermediate lines in places of complex geological structure). The determination of strontium content was carried out by the ICP-MS method. The strontium isotope composition was measured using an inductively coupled plasma magneto-sector multi-collector mass spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS). Statistical methods included analysis with stem-and-leaf plots; Student’s t-test; ordinary kriging (the mean is unknown) with linear semivariogram; analysis of correlation according to Pearson’s test. Results. The surveyed area is 36 sq. km2. The sample size is 357. Samples for different types have similar mean and median values; the differences occur in the fourth fractional digit. Criterion 1 (n ≥ 0.001) can be used to determine local variability, and Criterion 2 (0.706 < n < 0.716) can be used to assess the origin of ancient individuals, animals, and archaeological objects. The interpolated maps for each sample type were created. All bioavailable strontium maps show similar spatial patterns. Cross-validation revealed areas of the lowest accuracy. Conclusions. The similarity of the distribution of anomalies on the maps of different types suggests the feasibility of the sampling technique. There is a clear tendency for the zones of elevated 87Sr/86Sr values to be associated with the older lithology (0.7106, mean). The lower values (0.7091 ± 0.002) are associated with the younger lithology. Given the complex geological structure and a wide range of rocks in the study area, a positive result is the low differentiation of the zoning of the identified anomalies, which correspond to large structural-formation zones of the Urals. The presented method demonstrates its suitability for studying sublatitudinal migrations of the ancient population of the Southern Trans-Urals.

Identifikasi Fragmen Nisan Situs Kajang Batu di Museum Daerah Deli Serdang

This research aims to determine the shape and typology of the tombstones in the Kajang Batu cemetery. The method applied in this research is a qualitative method which is subjective by making direct observations of the objects studied. The Kajang Batu tombstone fragment is estimated to be 700 years old. The Kajang Batu tombstone fragment is an Acehnese type tombstone with a flat typology and does not contain many complicated motifs. In this case, many people must be involved so that these archaeological objects are maintained and preserved, one of which is the museum. Museums are a very suitable alternative for preserving cultural objects. Therefore, a museum's management of its collections can be a means for the public to obtain historical information in a unique and innovative way.

The role of BIM and GIS in HS2 historic environment data management, an overview of HS2 Phase 1, UK

The HS2 historic environment programme undertaken for Phase One of HS2 between London and the West Midlands has resulted in a substantial digital archive, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data. According to the BIM (Building Information Modelling) approach, HS2 historic environment assets are considered as part of the construction assets, alongside the other disciplines assets such as highways, bridges, tunnels, and fencing. The GIS and spatial data play the role of a glue to demonstrate the interrelationship and hierarchy between archaeological assets, recording their location and geometry. Designating a unique asset ID (UAID) to each archaeological asset, and joining them to their attributes table and relating documents, creates a relationship between historic environment assets GIS data and their respective non-GIS data. According to HS2 digital engineering with BIM approach, HS2 historic environment core and primary assets have been identified, which the hierarchical order of them is as follows: Location Specific Written Scheme of Investigation (LS-WSI) and Project Plans (PPs) as core assets, and Written Scheme of Investigation Interventions (WSI-Interventions), Archaeological Features, and Archaeological Objects as historic environment primary assets. Such an efficient, transparent, and readable asset data structure provides a lasting and valuable legacy for the lifecycle of the project digital data. Four different systems combine to form the digital legacy of the project, which complement the physical archive. These four systems are: HS2 Asset Information Management System (AIMS) and GIS systems, as well as Online Access to the Index of Archaeological Investigations (OASIS), and supporting digital data curated with the Archaeological Data Service (ADS) systems. As significant parts of the programme legacy, HS2's historic environment physical and digital archive establish an unprecedented opportunity for knowledge creation.

Сосуды с эпиграфическими и псевдо­эпиграфическими надписями с территории Царевского городища

Research objectives: To study 14th century vessels with epigraphic and pseudo-epigraphic inscriptions. Research materials: Ceramic vessels kept in the Archaeological Museum of Kazan Federal University. Results and novelty of the research: In the 1960s, large-scale archaeological work was carried out on the archaeological sit of Tsarevskoye settlement by the Volga Archaeological Expedition led by G.A. Fedorov-Davydov. A group from Kazan State University (led by I.S. Weiner) also took part in the the expedition. As a result, a large layer of material sources was obtained within which, the most massive example of material was ceramics. To date, archeological objects discovered during the excavations of the Tsarevskoye settlement in 1961–1968 are in the funds of the Archaeological Museum of the Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University. In addition to the artistic merits of the ceramics of the Golden Horde era, these items have a special scientific source-study significance since, being obtained as a result of field research, they are stratified and provided with an archaeological context. As part of the study, five stonepaste-based glazed vessels, one Central Asian stamped jug, and one die for the manufacture of stamped dishes were considered as the main research subjects. Vessels with epigraphic inscriptions meet analogies among the materials of the Lower Volga and Central Asian sites. Thus, the article introduces new data obtained as a result of epigraphic, linguistic, and comparative analyses of the collection originating from the territory of the eastern suburb of Tsarevskoye settlement of the 14th century.

The neutron imaging studies of the metal archaeological objects from the Eleke Sazy complex

The neutron imaging studies of the metal archaeological objects from the Eleke Sazy complex

Vliv vzdělávacích programů na postoje žáků k antice a jejímu zastoupení v populární kultuře

Can educational programs have an effect on pupils’ attitudes towards the given topic? An experiment on this topic was conducted among elementary school pupils. This experiment had two phases, in June 2022 students were approached with filling out a questionnaire, the research group first attended an educational program on daily life in ancient Rome. The other half, who did not attend the programme, served as a control group. The questionnaire explored pupils’ attitudes towards antiquity, the perceived meaning of archaeology and its connection to modern history, the representation of antiquity in popular culture and stereotypical ideas about it. The research group also evaluated the educational programme and the benefits of excursions in general. In the second phase (November 2022), pupils in both groups completed a questionnaire aimed solely on pupils’ attitudes towards antiquity. The results of the two groups were then analyzed and compared. A surprising finding for the researchers was that the control group showed a slightly more positive attitude towards antiquity and its importance during both June and November measurements, which may be due to several factors such as the topics discussed in class at that time, the teachers’ teaching methods, and other activities in which the pupils participated that were not controlled during the experiment. There was no positive effect of the educational programme on the consumption of media with the theme of the ancient world (books, films, games, etc.). A slight difference can be seen in the perception of the meaning of archaeology, where the research group is more likely to be inclined towards understanding technology and inventions. One can speculate whether direct contact with replicas of archaeological objects is reflected here. A more significant difference between the control and research groups lies, for example, in the knowledge test.

Chronology or Context: Temporality and Artificiality of Museum Collections

Although museum collections represent a temporary assemblage of “affiliated objects”, aimed at facilitating the responsible curation of the museum funds, in practice they are treated as an obligatory unit, without which the museum object itself does not exist, and they are imminently permanent. The origins, as well as the consequences of their formation may differ.
 The text examines several issues concerning the artificiality and temporality of collections: what are the values we observe when museum collections are formed, are these values transparent and permanent? Which attributes are con- sidered as crucial bythe curators in the classification of archaeological material and are these classifications consistent?
 Does chronology/periodization prevail in practice and how are the boundaries between the periods established? Is context preserved or, more precisely, is an object attributed along with the other artefacts from the same unit, which was carefully separated during excavation? What or whoinfluences the processes of formation of museum collections?
 The analysis is conducted on the case of the National Museum of Serbia, the oldest and the main museum institution, primarily because the archaeological objects form its basic fund ever since its establishment in 1844. Today, there are several hundred-thousand objects, organized into 16 basic collections and study material. Along with the obligatory authenticity, dating is most frequently the basic principle on which classifications are based, concerning period, origin, or typological systematization. Chronology – period/sequence – is also the main criterion of the permanent museum exhibitions, and necessary to custodians inmediating the disciplinary knowledge.
 Custodians “re-arrange” the past, starting from a museum object and collection, creating specific units of museum(archaeological) time – time capsules, frozen reconstructions, new realities. The museum may thus be understood as a contextdetermined by multi-temporality, or the co-existence of different times.
 Furthermore, working from the idea of Bennet (2009) that the museum may be identified as “the field”, it can also be interpreted as a “multi-layered site”. Various actors – object, collection, custodian, public – contribute to the accumulated character of the record. The “museum layering” is determined by the diversity of the criteria of acquisition, various attributes of classification, the artificiality of collections, transitionary value of objects, as well as personally and socially determined interpretations.

Objetos arqueológicos y personas en exposición

In the late 19th century, world fairs were a showcase for emerging nations. The ruling Argentine elites sought to portray Argentina as modern and having a European profile. Argentine’s participation in the 1904 Saint Louis World’s Fair (United States) condenses the laissez-faire of the Argentine state into issues of the pre-Hispanic past and ethnographic present that converge to present a country where the future would detach from the ethnographic present and vestiges of the pre-Hispanic past were rendered part of natural history. Laissez-faire is reflected in two transferred “othernesses.” First, a group of Tehuelche people participated in the fair’s Anthropology Department exhibitions, transforming themselves from subjects to objects of mass consumption. Second, a collector named Zavaleta brought archaeological objects that would become part of the pantheon of Andean civilizations. This article analyzes the presence of these othernesses and how their exhibition helped position them within the political discourse of the Argentine nation.

Layered manganese oxides structures: Micro‐Raman and selected mobile Raman spectroscopic studies

AbstractThe main structural building blocks that form manganese oxides are MnO6 octahedra; these share corners and edges to construct specific structures, which can either be tunneled or layered. In the layered structures, that is, phyllomanganates, the MnO6 octahedra form sheets, which, in turn, alternate with sheets of metal oxides and H2O. These metal ions can vary (Zn, Co, Ni, Al, Li, …) and give rise to an entire range of different metal oxides. The characterization of these layered materials is important as they have various economical/industrial applications. Birnessite‐type materials, a specific type of layered manganese oxides, are widely studied for their use as cathode materials in alkali‐ion batteries. Phyllomanganates are also commonly found as constituents in sediments and soils or as coatings on rock surfaces. Their natural occurrence as black colored components have ensured that these minerals were also applied as pigments in archaeological and historical contexts. They are, for example, often found in rock art paintings and on pottery. As the oxides are used in unique archaeological objects, Raman spectroscopy is an evident choice for characterization due to its non‐destructive nature of analysis. In the current study, five mineral samples of (layered) manganese oxides are analyzed with different Raman instrumentations, including mobile systems and a benchtop micro‐Raman setup. The characterization of each selected manganese oxide and their comparison with literature data is discussed for the micro‐Raman instrumentation. In addition, the ability of identifying and characterizing layered manganese oxides and the possible challenges when using mobile instrumentation are discussed as well.

Exploring geomagnetic variations in ancient mesopotamia: Archaeomagnetic study of inscribed bricks from the 3rd-1st millennia BCE.

This study presents 32 high-resolution geomagnetic intensity data points from Mesopotamia, spanning the 3rd to the 1st millennia BCE. These data contribute to rectifying geographic disparities in the resolution of the global archaeointensity curve that have hampered our understanding of geomagnetic field dynamics and the viability of applying archaeomagnetism as a method of absolute dating of archaeological objects. A lack of precise and well-dated intensity data in the region has also limited our ability to identify short-term fluctuations in the geomagnetic field, such as the Levantine Iron Age geomagnetic Anomaly (LIAA), a period of high field intensity from ca. 1050 to 550 BCE. This phenomenon has hitherto not been well-demonstrated in Mesopotamia, contrary to predictions from regional geomagnetic models. To address these issues, this study presents precise archaeomagnetic results from 32 inscribed baked bricks, tightly dated to the reigns of 12 Mesopotamian kings through interpretation of their inscriptions. Results confirm the presence of the high field values of the LIAA in Mesopotamia during the first millennium BCE and drastically increase the resolution of the archaeointensity curve for the 3rd-1st millennia BCE. This research establishes a baseline for the use of archaeomagnetic analysis as an absolute dating technique for archaeological materials from Mesopotamia.

Forensic Traceable Liquid for Deterring Trafficking in Cultural Property: Pilot Implementation in Iraq

ABSTRACT This paper introduces and evaluates forensic traceable liquid technology as a potential deterrent for trafficking in cultural property, earlier employed in the UK to reduce heritage crime and recently implemented in Iraq to protect over 573,000 archaeological objects in five museums. The study suggests a theoretical framework and unveils novel qualitative and quantitative empirical datasets acquired through surveying and interviewing 42 law enforcement practitioners from 21 countries. The acquired data confirms the theoretical underpinnings and reveals that forensic traceable liquid, physically applied at the source, is viewed as an efficient deterrent on the market side, providing hard evidence of provenance, enhancing traceability, increasing the certainty of being convicted of dealing in illicit material, introducing risk, and invisibly guarding objects along the trafficking chain. Notably, source-country respondents appear more enthusiastic about this innovation than market-country ones, while the support for its wider implementation is unanimous.

Historical pyrite “mirrors” from the Ecuadorian Cañari culture, digital microscopy observations, mineralogical and elemental analysis

This research relies on microscopy and digital microscopy observations and spectral analysis techniques: Raman spectroscopy, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE), to recover part of the lost identity of two pyrite (FeS2) cones. Conserved in Paris, at the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN), the first one is registered MIN000-3519 in the collection of the mineralogist René-Just Haüy, the second one, registered 105.504, is a stray object. All information related to its origin would have been lost during the move (1837–1841) of the collections from the former Cabinet du Jardin du Roy to the new earth science gallery of the MNHN. Our historical research (Gendron, 2022) revealed that the first one, described as an “Inca mirror”, was shipped from Peru around 1760 by the botanist Joseph de Jussieu to his brothers Antoine and Bernard. They also confirmed that these two pyrite cones are archaeological objects of the Ecuadorian Cañari culture (500–1500 AD).Raman analyses conducted on the MIN000-3519 specimen confirm that it was developed on a quartz paragenesis. While the faces observation of no.105.504 reveals that the crystal used for its cut was triglyph twinned, a crystal which must have been cubic or dodecahedral pentagonal. The observation of the technical traces in digital microscopy makes it possible to reconstruct a process of similar cut for the two “mirrors” and help to discover red mineral clusters in the bottom of the crystalline gaps. LIBS analyses were also applied to get complementary information on in-depth element distribution, such as Fe and Al, in order to understand the stratigraphy inside the cracks. Finally, PIXE measurements do not confirm that these two pyrites come from the same deposit. But, this analytical technique is hampered by the nature of the element Fe which offers multiple and random bonding possibilities during the crystallization of iron minerals and by the lack of a comparative sample in the Parisian mineralogic collections.

Каталог керамических клейм Гераклеи Понтийской из собрания Восточно-Крымского историко-культурного музея-заповедника (часть I)

The collection of Heraclea ceramic stamps stored in Kerch in the funds of the East Crimean Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve (VKIKMZ) is the largest one in the world. It is an important source for the study of the Heraclean stamping in general and for solving many specific issues related to the dating of various archaeological layers and objects. The purpose of this publication is to present the source in a ready and convenient form for its use, eliminating the need to refer to the originals again in general. Due to the huge amount of material, it seemed appropriate to divide the Catalog into two parts. The first one is devoted to the analysis of the code (collection) of Heraclean stamps in the VKIKMZ, which includes 2809 items discovered up to 2015 inclusive and published by N.F. Fedoseev in 2016. Based on a thorough analysis of all Heraclean stamps of the Kerch collection, corrections of the mistakes made in the restoration of their legends are proposed. The editing is also confirmed by the revealed correspondences of the stamps both within the collection itself and by analogies from publications and from other museum’s holdings. The attached tables contain illustrations to verify the conclusions. In the second part of the work, it is planned to publish other several hundred Heraclean stamps received by the VKIKMZ after 2015.

Interdisciplinary research of ash heap sediment near Stepnoye settlement (Chelyabinsk Oblast)

An ash heap is defined as a specific object at an archaeological site, usually in the form of a separate hillock containing a layer of finely-dispersed greyish-yellow or ash-coloured soil. The existing assumptions about the formation and functional pur-pose of ash heaps, as special archaeological objects found near the Bronze Age pastoral settlements, have so far been poorly supported by scientific data. At the ash heap near the Sintashta fortified settlement of Stepnoye, Chelyabinsk Oblast, for the first time, large-scale and comprehensive studies were carried out on the structure of these deposits, their granulometric and geo-chemical composition, in combination with the analysis of plant macroremains, paleoparasites, microbiomorphic and palynologi-cal complexes, indicative bacterial groups, and keratinophilic fungi. Judging by the archaeological materials, it is patently obvi-ous that this was a multifunctional object that developed over many centuries and played different roles at different stages. The results of the conducted analyses showed that the 45 cm thick “ash” horizon in the Stepnoye ash heap contains a significant proportion of a fine sand fraction, and not a silty fraction. An increase in the biophilic elements (predominantly calcium, as well as phosphorus and sulphur), accumulated mainly in the organic matter of faunal origin, was noted in the upper bench of the ash layer. However, the high concentration of phytoliths in the “ashy” deposits indicates that the layer was formed mainly as a result of the accumulation of a large amount of plant organic matter. The absence of charcoal and the scarcity of charred macro-remains indicate that the deposited organic material was not burnt but decomposed naturally. The increased content of sapro-trophic bacteria in the “ashy” layer also supports the natural decomposition of an organic matter. The composition of the phyto-lithic and pollen spectrum of the “ashy” horizon is not typical for the steppe of the south of Western Siberia, since it is dominated by a group of mixed herbs with elements of a ruderal flora, and not by cereals. All the data supports the hypothesis that the ash heap is the result of regular practice of cleaning of the floor and interiors of the buildings of the fortified settlement of Stepnoye. This is evidenced by the increase in the number of keratinophilic fungi, which decompose wool and hair and therefore accumu-late in the occupational layer of the structures. Based on the results of the study, the hypotheses that the Stepnoye ash heap is a place of consolidated ash removal or composting of stable manure were rejected.

Игрушки и игровые аксессуары посадских людей в Окольном городе Пскова

The article discusses the experience of studying the archaeological objects of play accessories not only as a mere collection of finds, but in connection with topographic, historical and social features of the territory from which these finds occur. Besides the widespread types of toys (ceramic whistles, leather balls, clubs, wooden spinners etc.), the studied collection includes rarer toys (the barrel of a chiseled wooden miniature cannon), and original items of theatrical or carnival requisite. Thus, in the cultural deposits within the limited space of the city yard, we observe children’s play accessories and those that supposedly belonged to the adults.

К ИСТОРИИ ЗАСЕЛЕНИЯ ПЛАТО АБОМЕЙ: ДАННЫЕ УСТНЫХ И АРХЕОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ИСТОЧНИКОВ

Taking into account the shortage of the written sources for the study of the history of Benin, the use of oral sources, verified through archaeological re-search, became the most effective. The archaeological exploration on the Abomey Plateau, carried out in 2020, was intended to confirm the local inhab-itants’ information previously known and collected during the expedition. The archaeological objects and artifacts found indicate the organization of the in-ternational slave trade, which was conducted by the kingdom of Danxome in the XVII–XIX centuries. The sites recorded include the remains of the an-cient villages, sanctuaries, slave pens and encampments, and archeometallurgi-cal sites. Local ceramics, iron slag, and also imported smoking pipes and beads are found out among the findings. The cultivated plants preserved there also helped to identify the places of the former settlements.

Radiology meets archaeology: digital restoration and 3D printing using CT data.

Archaeological objects are often recovered in blocks since highly porous materials and unstable and highly decayed objects cannot always be uncovered undamaged or time and resources for classic uncovering are lacking. Therefore, clinical computed tomography (CT) combined with freely available software solutions should be tested as a simple and fast method for visualizing and analyzing archaeological finds as an alternative to time-consuming restoration. As an example, a block with a shield boss was selected from a block excavation and examined by means of CT. Using the freely available software 3D-Slicer (https://www.slicer.org/), the shield boss and handle were segmented in the surrounding soil with different tools. They were then digitally reconstructed and then restored using Meshmixer (Autodesk Inc., San Francisco, CA). A 3D print was generated based on the reconstructed model of the shield boss. The individual steps of CT examination of the block recovery, segmentation, reconstruction, and 3D printing were successfully performed. Based on the restored fragments of the shield boss, it was possible to date the object and to determine the initial properties of the find non-destructively without classic restoration. Radiological imaging combined with digital reconstruction and 3D printing makes it possible to determine decisive characteristics of the archaeological find before it is uncovered and restored, which is a time-consuming process. This opens up new opportunities for cooperation between radiology and archaeology for the evaluation and analysis of archaeological finds. · The transfer of medical technology, digital image processing and 3D printing to archaeology has been demonstrated.. · The digital restoration and reconstruction of archaeological objects using CT images is possible.. · Medical imaging could make a significant contribution to the investigation and reconstruction of archaeological objects.. · Frohwerk E, Dürr A, Fiebich M et al. Radiology meets archaeology: digital restoration and 3D printing using CT data. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; 196: 607 - 611.

Недеструктивно археологическо проучване в местността „Долната чатма“ при село Велино, Шуменско

In the late autumn of 2022, a non-destructive archaeological survey was carried out in the territory of Velino village, Shumen municipality. The survey went through several stages: 1) collection of preliminary information on the names of localities and toponyms in the area of the survey; 2) conducting a field survey during which accumulations of large unprocessed stones and a relatively large concentration of fragmented Old Bulgarian household ceramics were registered; 3) aerial photogrammetric survey of the terrain, as a result of which a digital elevation model and an ortho-photo plan of the area designated for study were produced. The contours of linear structures of artificial origin were clearly visible; 4) geophysical survey in four zones, which confirmed the proposals for the presence of anomalous zones; 5) vertical electric sounding with the aim of studying the stratigraphy of the object during which it was established that the structures probably develop at a depth of 0.80-1.00 m from the contemporary terrain. The results of the non-destructive archaeological survey in Dolnata Chatma locality, near the village of Velino, Shumen region show that linear stone structures develop on the flat terrace east of the village, probably part of a presumed archaeological object. At this stage, its scope, chronology and character are not clarified, and this remains a task for the team in future exploratory and subsequently regular archaeological surveys.